A novel compound, denosomin, ameliorates spinal cord injury via axonal growth associated with astrocyte-secreted vimentin

Spinal cord injuries often lead to limited recovery due to glial scars that inhibit axon regeneration. The study investigates a new compound, denosomin, and its potential to promote axon growth and functional recovery after SCI. Denosomin was found to increase the density of astrocytes, inhibit astrocyte death, and increase the expression and secretion of vimentin in astrocytes. Vimentin, in turn, promotes axonal outgrowth, even in the presence of inhibitory substances. The study suggests that denosomin modifies the behavior of reactive astrocytes, turning them into facilitators of axonal growth through vimentin secretion, which ultimately leads to improved functional recovery in SCI mice.

• 1
  Denosomin improves motor dysfunction and axonal growth, especially in 5-HT-positive tracts across the scar, and increases astrocyte density in SCI mice.
• 2
  Denosomin increases astrocyte proliferation, inhibits astrocytic death, and enhances the expression and secretion of vimentin in cultured astrocytes.
• 3
  Vimentin increases axonal outgrowth in cultured neurons, even in the presence of inhibitory CSPG, suggesting a novel role for vimentin in SCI recovery.